wearing kilts in Scotland

[Scotus]

Yes, I must agree with James. I never saw anything except traditional kilts in Scotland. My own interest in the kilt is has grown out of a serious interest in my Scottish ancestry (not the other way around). I am certain that the same holds true for a number of us; thus, I would have to agree with you. I think the more modern kilts would be seen as very different in Scotland than the traditional tartan kilts. You do see the younger people in traditional tartan kilts (worn with boots, t-shirts, sweaters, etc.), but I have never, in all my travels throughout Scotland, seen the more modern variations.

[highlander_Daz]

Traditional Tartan kilts are almost exclusively seen in scotland, Modern "kilts" dont seem to have caught on at all in the eyes of most scots they are not realy kilts, recently two scots TV presenters appered at an award show in plain black and plain white "kilts" and there was a number of letters to the newspapers bemoning these garmets to the effect that they are not Kilts, but skirts for men. a firm in Scotland called 21st Century Kilts makes these as well as Vin Diesels Leather "kilt" . I think to most people in the street a "kilt" is associated with scotland and has a Tartan pattern, I am not keen on the modern designs, Ive never worn one and I really do feel they look like skirts to most unenlightened people.

[Graham]

I'm glad this topic has arisen again, especially since I plan a trip to Scotland this July and naturally I'll be wearing the kilt exclusively.

I'm a wee bit concerned about how I'll be received kilted, but really no more than anywhere else. I'm sure the reaction will be the same, some will like it, some will dislike it, most will ignor it.

I'll certainly be noting and posting my experiences after the event.

[Scotus]

I have to agree with highlander. My impression is that, in Scotland, there is a growing trend for wearing the kilt, but it is because of national pride among the young; therefore, you will only see people in tartan kilts... not in the modern versions. The Scots, at least all of them I know in Edinburgh, are very proud of the kilt. I do think that they see the modern variations as something "not Scottish."

[Blu (Ontario)]

.... and the subject is just what is meant by a kilt?

Perhaps the kilt has too much meaning. As long as it is worn only because it is a traditional costume, it will remain in the background. The cost is obviously a contributing factor to its infrequent use. If the kilt could be made affordable and retain most of the accepted elements of its heritage, more Scots might choose it as a viable clothing option. And if some of the modern variants sell because they are labelled "kilt" rather than "manskirt", I don't think this shows any disrespect for the traditional Scottish form.

On the other hand, Scots may be perfectly happy with the way things are. Nothing wrong with that. Either way, to deny the modern variant a chance to earn it's rightful place in the world may prove to be detrimental to both forms.

I think it would be wonderful to see the Scots wear their kilts as often as our American bretheren display their national flag. Clearly, for the kilt to be seen more often in Scotland, the Scots will have to reach beyond their own restrictions (misgivings?) regarding the kilt and what it means to wear it.


blu

[Graham]

Poignant thoughts as always, Blu, and who knows what influence we might have in bringing more Scots to appreciate the kilt!

[Tim Walker]

I have to wonder...would the Scots diversify their wardrobes if they were to try on the nontraditional garments?

[Blu (Ontario)]

I'm glad this topic has arisen again, especially since I plan a trip to Scotland this July and naturally I'll be wearing the kilt exclusively...

We'll be waiting for all the the gory details when you get back!

[Hamish]

I have to wonder...would the Scots diversify their wardrobes if they were to try on the nontraditional garments?

In my opinion, many of them already are doing so, Tim. I have many friends in various parts of Scotland, some of whom are 'into' kilt wearing and others who are not. When I am with them, not one of them makes any distinction between my traditional tartan kilts and my contemporary "21st Century Kilts" kilts. [For the uninitiated, these are traditional kilts except for the fact that they are usually not made in tartan fabrics, although they can be. They are tailored by the self-same kiltmakers who produce some of the finest traditional kilts available today. They are kilts! Who says kilts have to be tartan garments?].

I know of quite a few Scots, living in Scotland, who also wear "21st Century Kilts" kilts, or similar plain, or maybe camouflage, kilts in rotation with their traditional ones. They are worn for clubbing, pubbing and general socialising, but not at formal events where the traditional tartan kilt would be more appropriate. They are an alternative garment, not a replacement!

As for Utilikilts: as I have stated, I wear them in Scotland when others might wear jeans. I also cannot see any obvious connection between the Utilikilt and the traditional kilt and, after all the years I have been wearing them, I still see the Utilikilt as a man's s---t rather than a kilt - but I have absolutely no problems with that and feel somewhat sorry for those who do.

Our traditional kilt is probably the most versatile garment a man can possess. The same one can be worn with boots and a t-shirt in the morning and with a Prince Charlie (or a GT Doublet!!) in the evening. You can hardly do that with a pair of trousers. BUT, it must not be allowed to become a 'costume', a museum piece, which it will if it is not permitted to evolve. The kilt as we now know it has evolved during the past several hundred years, or longer, but there are those who want that process of evolution to be halted now. Why? We can still keep our (Victorian era) national costume, with its wonderful accessories, for events and circumstances that demand it, but for Goodness' sake, let us welcome the contemporary variations on the theme. By doing so our respect for 'things traditional' will be increased, because we want to keep them alive, not diminished.

Sorry Tim, that's rather a lengthy response to your wonderfully concise question - but you know what I am like when I get going!

[Rigged]

As for Utilikilts: as I have stated, I wear them in Scotland when others might wear jeans. I also cannot see any obvious connection between the Utilikilt and the traditional kilt and, after all the years I have been wearing them, I still see the Utilikilt as a man's s---t rather than a kilt - but I have absolutely no problems with that and feel somewhat sorry for those who do.

It's hard enough to get guys into something as obviously masculine (to us) as a kilt. Call it a skirt (still considered a feminine garment) and most men will stay away in droves.

The word, "kilt" puts a certain image into most people's minds (among those who know what a kilt is). That image is a strong, masculine one. It's an image of men fighting oppression, defeating the Nazis, nobility, bravery, history, and culture.

The word, "skirt" puts an entirely different image into most people's minds, especially when you put a skirt on a man. It's an image that goes with lipstick, campy wigs, nylon stockings, high heels, and fingernail polish.

Steven Villegas made a strategic marketing decision to call the UKs kilts. I think it was a smart decision. I also think that, in terms of construction and overall design, Utilikits have more in common with kilts than they do with skirts made for women which tend to sacrifice ruggedness and functionality for looks.

I'm of the opinion that when kilts are more generally accepted, other types of unbifurcated garments for men will most likely be accepted as well - even feminine skirts. If kilts don't catch on with men, it's not likely that any other unbifurcated garment will catch on either.

That's why I call them "kilts" and cringe when others say, it's just a skirt. It's bad marketing, at the very least. And marketing isn't about reality. Marketing is about perceptions -- the images in people's heads.